Way back when the gaming public was first introduced to the concept of a LEGO Star Wars videogame, it was easy to dismiss the idea as typical kiddy schlock. After its release, however, those opinions were quickly reversed: As it turned out, the game was awesome. People soon began to wonder what other franchises would benefit from a LEGO makeover. There were the obvious joke answers like “The Matrix” or Grand Theft Auto, but a more sensible response that kept popping up was Lucasfilm’s other big series, “Indiana Jones.” When it was eventually revealed that the LEGO Group had acquired the rights to produce play sets based on the “Indiana Jones” films, many assumed that it was simply a matter of time before a corresponding game would be produced.

Which brings us to LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures. It will probably surprise no one to discover that it plays almost exactly like the previous LEGO Star Wars game for the DS, but with “Indiana Jones” characters and settings. In each stage, you lead two or more blocky versions of the films’ characters and lead them through a gauntlet of enemies and puzzles. The computer takes control of anyone who you aren’t playing as, and you’re free to swap between any of the characters. Keeping with the LEGO theme, there are tons of objects in the game made out of the plastic toys, and they can all be interacted with in some way. Many are simply there to destroy, allowing you to collect the LEGO studs that burst out of them. These act as the game’s currency to purchase new characters and special abilities. Other items can be broken down and rebuilt into new structures, allowing you to get past obstacles. These clever interactions help recreate the feeling of playing with actual LEGO bricks.

There are various character classes that determine what special abilities they can use during the game. Indy, of course, has his whip can be used to disarm enemies and swing across pits. Excavator characters can dig up buried treasure and mechanics fix busted machinery. Characters like Prof. Henry Jones, Sr. use an umbrella to travel on zip lines. Some characters can even send a monkey out to reach areas that humans can’t get to. Figuring out how to take advantage of everybody’s skills is essential to getting through the game.

Fortune and Glory, Kid

In fact, those who have mastered the LEGO Star Wars titles will discover that this game has a much greater emphasis on puzzle solving than its spiritual predecessors had. Not only does this expanded adventure element bring the game in line with the movies that spawned it, but it also makes the game a bit trickier than the Star Wars titles. Even with the more elaborate puzzles, though, there’s nothing overly challenging here.